The transfer window for all of Europe’s big five leagues is closed, but that doesn’t stop Transfer Talk from rummaging around to find out who will be moving where come January.
TOP STORY: Sanchez wants to leave United
Alexis Sanchez has had a miserable time at Manchester United since joining in January last year. With just four goals in 28 appearances, he has failed to produce the type of form that made him such a threat at Arsenal.
And now, the Chile international could be heading towards the exit door at Old Trafford. The Times report Sanchez is lonely, isolated and unhappy at Jose Mourinho’s management style at United.
A move to Paris Saint-Germain is mooted, with Paul Hirst reporting: “It is understood that Sanchez’s agent, Fernando Felicevich, has started looking at potential suitors for his client and PSG have made it clear that they would be interested, although it remains to be seen whether United would sell. Sanchez’s representatives held talks with PSG in the summer of 2017 and he was keen to move to the French champions, but Kylian Mbappe became available.”
Transfer Talk: LIVE
09.10 GMT: Welcome to another day on Transfer Talk, bringing you all the latest rumours from the world of football. Alexis Sanchez is the top story, with the Manchester United forward supposedly unsettled and keen on an exit. We’ll bring you all the updates on that as they come and a whole lot more besides.
Mata to leave United for Arsenal
Jose Mourinho chased Juan Mata out of Chelsea in 2014, and their relationship has only marginally improved since The Special One followed his former charge to Manchester United. So, with the 30-year-old out of contract in the summer, he’s set to return to a trusted former manager.
TalkSport reports that Mata will join Arsenal on a free transfer this summer, where he will reunite with manager Unai Emery, whom he worked under for three seasons at Valencia. It was at the Mestalla that Mata first broke into the Spain team, and parlayed his fine form into a move to West London.
And now it seems he’s set to return to the English capital, this time swapping West London for North.
With Henrikh Mkhitaryan underperforming since his own move from Old Trafford to Arsenal, Emery could be on the lookout for a new midfield maestro, and a reunion with Mata could be just what he needs.
Pereyra flattered by Chelsea interest
The Sun reports that Maurizio Sarri has taken an interest in Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra, and the Argentine would be all too eager to join the Italian’s Chelsea project.
Pereyra’s five goals in 10 Premier League appearances this season is the same as he netted all of last term, and his goal-scoring form has him dreaming of a move to West London.
“Now I hope to keep going like I am now, with a club like Chelsea mentioned,” he’s quoted as saying in the Sun. “It’s nice that you talk about a team that is so fond of me.”
Benatia ready to leave Juve for Milan
Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia is apparently unhappy with his playing time at the Old Lady, which has the Morocco international eyeing an exit.
AC Milan are interested in bringing in Benatia on a loan in January, according to Calciomerato citing Sport Mediaset, with an €15 million obligation to purchase the player next summer.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund are other sides that are reportedly monitoring Benatia’s situation in Turin.
Tap-ins
– The Express cites Belgian outlet Het Belong van Limburg as reporting that Nice manager Patrick Vieira hopes to entice Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to swap the bench at Anfield for a starting berth at Nice.
– Denis Suarez has fallen out of favor at Barcelona, but Marca reports that the young Spaniard has a trio of suitors: Chelsea, Napoli and Valencia.
– Paraguayan teenage sensation Fernando Olevar caused quite the stir when he scored for Cerro Porteno against Olympia in the country’s biggest derby last month. Now the 14-year-old goal scorer (yes, that’s right) is apparently a target for Manchester City, the Mirror says.